Ratna Sarkar got a new life.

Ratna Sarkar got a new life.

Ratna Sarkar, aged 16 years, is the daughter of Nakul Sarkar, resident of Nakuadaha village of ItindaPanitore Gram Panchayat. She is studying in class 10 in Itinda Union High School. During the lockdown, on 5th June,2020, a phone call came to one of our CPW staff that a Child marriage was taking place at midnight, in their village secretly. Our CPW team, very next day visited their place for intervention but Ratna’s family was unavailable at that time. They interacted with their neighbour and collected some information about the marriage that took place on 5th between 11pm – 12 midnight.
On, 7th June our CPW visited Ratna’s house again and met their parents. They came to know that Ratna had fled from home and had got married to a temple without informing her parents. Taking advantage of Lockdown uncertainty and the schools being closed, she found that her future was uncertain. She thus decided to marry a boy whom she loved.
Our CPW had a conversation with Ratna’s parents and made them aware of Child Marriage and its laws. The legal aspects were explained to the parents.
On 8th June our CPW went to meet the Pradhan of ItindaPanitore, to take immediate action against the child marriage. The Pradhan and hi members called a meeting on the same day where both the families were present to discuss the illegal marriage. After much discussion with the Pradhan and members, both the families reached to a mutual understanding that until Ratna completes 18 years of age, she will stay with her family. Both the families signed an agreement to this effect, before the Panchayat.
At present, Ratna is staying with her family and she wishes to complete her class X Board Exam with a good percentage. She is a member of our Child Club, Nakuadaha village. Our team is monitoring her weekly and motivating her to fulfil her future dreams.